Heathley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Heathley

What does the name Heathley mean?

When the ancestors of the Heathley family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in Heathley, Staffordshire.

Early Origins of the Heathley family

The surname Heathley was first found in Staffordshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor of Heighley (pronounced Heathley or Heatly). At the taking of the Domesday Book in 1086 by Duke William of Normandy after his conquest of England at Hastings in 1066, this village was the King's land, but reconstructing the evidence, there remains the ruins of a 13th century castle at Heighley which was probably reduced by an angry King. We next see Sir Robert of Keatlie far to the north in the lands of Mellerston just over the border in Scotland. In 1296 his successor, Sir Alexander of Hateley, made his peace with King Edward 1st of England in his brief conquest of Scotland and declared his oath of allegiance and loyalty to him. Sir Alexander's seal is a boar's head which is consistent with the Coat of Arms for Heathley.

Early History of the Heathley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Heathley research. Another 66 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Heathley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Heathley Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Heathley has been recorded under many different variations, including Heathley, Heighley, Heatley, Heathly and others.

Early Notables of the Heathley family

More information is included under the topic Early Heathley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Heathley family to Ireland

Some of the Heathley family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Heathley family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Heathleys were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Robert Heathly who landed in North America in 1697.